PESHAWAR: The launch of military operation against terrorists in Khyber Agency and coming Muharram has created a new challenge for the police in the provincial metropolis to protect the lives and properties of citizens.

Keeping in view the looming threats of terrorism the provincial government is duty-bound to take effective steps for checking suspected people, especially on the routes connecting Peshawar with the tribal regions, but no such steps have been observed so far.

During the previous government there were some 140 checkpoints on different roads, but as Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf came into power over 100 of them were abolished to ensure smooth flow of traffic and facilitate public.

However, at present the checkpoints are direly needed, mainly on the sensitive entry and exit points, at least to keep watch on the movement of suspected people and vehicles entering Peshawar from the tribal and semi-tribal areas.

Timely steps needed to ensure peace in Peshawar during Muharram

When contacted, SSP Najeebur Rehman said that there was shortage of police force and as such new checkpoints had not been set up for the time being. He said that the force had been strengthened in the sensitive areas, particularly on Frontier Road with additional two armoured personnel carriers, located at the border of Khyber Agency to check movement of the fleeing militants.

“We have also put the security on alert and activated intelligence service to take prompt action in case of any untoward incident,” said the SSP, who is responsible for police operations in Peshawar.

He said that the shortage was caused due to sending of 18 platoons of the Frontier Constabulary to Islamabad.

He said that a demand had been placed for return of these FC personnel so as to overcome the shortage.

POLICE OFFICIALS PROMOTED: The Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) and the Departmental Selection Committee (DSC) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police has promoted 15 inspectors to the rank of deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and 102 sub-inspectors to the rank of inspector, according to a statement issued by the Central Police Office here on Friday.

It was for the first time that the DPC and DSC were given criteria for examining the officers under consideration. The criteria included the efficiency of the officer, his general reputation, aptitude and suitability for the post.

DPC, which was headed by the additional IG headquarters, considered 28 inspectors for promotion to DSP rank.

However, on the basis of the criteria, 15 officers were promoted. Likewise, DSC, which was headed by additional IGP headquarters, considered 123 SIs and after scrutiny promoted 102 of them to the next rank.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2014